Go Back
For this tasty dish, you'll need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated - Sesame seeds for garnish - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) These add a nice kick to your dish. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. This dish serves four people and offers a balanced meal. Each serving has: - Calories: About 300 - Protein: 26g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fiber: 3g This meal is both filling and nutritious. It provides a good mix of protein and veggies. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dice the chicken into small pieces. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, mince 1 tablespoon of ginger and 2 cloves of garlic. Both add great flavor to the dish. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you smell their aroma. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. If you like spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking and the sauce will thicken. Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 1 cup of shredded carrots and 1/2 of a finely chopped bell pepper. This adds crunch and color. To assemble the cups, take a leaf of romaine or butter lettuce. Spoon the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of each leaf. Top the chicken with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This makes your dish look amazing and adds extra flavor. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful teriyaki chicken lettuce cups! To get juicy chicken, always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay moist and are easy to cook. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for a nice brown color. Stir in the ginger and garlic for extra flavor. Don't forget to simmer the sauce until it thickens. This step adds depth to your dish. Serve the teriyaki chicken in crisp lettuce cups. Use romaine or butter lettuce for the best crunch. Top each cup with green onions and sesame seeds. You can also add shredded carrots or bell peppers for color and texture. Pair these cups with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal. They also make great appetizers for parties! If you need to swap out ingredients, it’s easy. Use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner meat. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well too. For a spicy kick, try adding chopped jalapeños instead of red pepper flakes. Get creative and make the dish your own! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the diced chicken thighs in the soy sauce, honey, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried or powdered versions. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas to the chicken mixture for more crunch and flavor. Keep the Sauce Balanced: Adjust the level of honey and soy sauce to your taste preference; if you like it sweeter, add more honey, or for a saltier profile, increase the soy sauce. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Ground turkey is a great choice. It cooks fast and tastes good with teriyaki sauce. You can also use diced pork or beef. Both will add a nice flavor to the dish. If you want a lighter option, try shrimp. Cook them just until pink, then mix with the sauce. For a veggie twist, use tofu or tempeh. Both soak up the teriyaki sauce well. Press tofu to remove excess water, then cube it. Pan-fry it until golden for great texture. You can also use chickpeas for a hearty vegan option. They add protein and pair well with the sauce. Add extra flavors to make the dish pop. Try fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. They add a refreshing taste. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish, too. For spice lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha. You can also mix in roasted nuts like cashews for crunch. Lastly, a drizzle of hoisin sauce can give a sweet twist. After you enjoy your teriyaki chicken lettuce cups, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken mixture from the lettuce leaves. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Stir until it warms through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the chicken tough. You can add a splash of water to help keep it moist. For the best taste, eat the teriyaki chicken within three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken mixture. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make teriyaki chicken ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet. The flavors taste even better the next day! Romaine or butter lettuce works best for these cups. Romaine has a nice crunch and holds the filling well. Butter lettuce is soft and wraps nicely around the chicken. Both types add a fresh taste to your dish. Choose whichever one you prefer! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option. Always check the label to ensure it fits your needs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry. This blog post covered the key steps to making tasty teriyaki chicken lettuce cups. We discussed essential ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for perfect results. You can swap proteins or enhance flavors to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these insights, you can create a fun, healthy meal that everyone will love. Try these ideas, and bring excitement to your dinner table!

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

Delicious and healthy chicken lettuce cups with a savory teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 2 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and fold in the shredded carrots and bell pepper, mixing well.
  • To assemble the lettuce cups, spoon the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
  • Top with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, healthy, lettuce cups, teriyaki